PAUL Carden says his Warrington Town squad are “going the right way” as they continue to gear up for the new season.

However, the Yellows boss also recognises the need for defensive reinforcements is growing as the opening game draws ever closer.

Town have played their first two pre-season games – with Tuesday’s 2-0 defeat to Tranmere Rovers following a goalless draw at Wythenshawe Town on Saturday.

READ: Match report from Tuesday's game against Tranmere

READ: Paul Carden's reaction to Tranmere loss

The versatile Mitch Duggan, who can play anywhere on the right-hand side and in central midfield, has been added to the squad but Carden says central defenders remain his priority.

The need is heightened by news that captain Jay McCarten is set for an ankle operation which may cause him to miss the start of the season.

“We do need a few defenders to say the least,” Carden said.

“Once we get them, I’ll be pleased but I think we are going the right way.

“We’ve played two games and I think there’s only two lads who have played 90 minutes.

“It does mean we need players in, not just for numbers but for a purpose because we are short in those positions.

“We need to keep getting fit. There’s no shortcuts for us.

“We’ll keep training hard to prepare ourselves for the rigours of another long season.

“We’ve acquitted ourselves very well so far.”

Yellows visit Runcorn Town on Saturday before welcoming Stockport County to Cantilever Park on Tuesday.

There are just over four weeks until Warrington’s opening game of the Evo-Stik Premier Division season, which we now know will be a home game against Farsley Celtic on Saturday, August 18.

READ: Warrington Town's full 2018-19 fixture list